Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is a mid-sized city located in northern Alabama with a population of around 200,000. It is home to the Redstone Arsenal, a major U.S. Army post that houses a number of high-tech military and space-related organizations, including NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Huntsville is also known as the "Rocket City" due to its important role in the development of space technology. In addition to its aerospace industry, Huntsville is also a hub for biotechnology and engineering, with major companies such as Toyota, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin having a presence in the city. Huntsville is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which contributes to the city's vibrant cultural scene. The city has a relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life, making it an attractive place to live for both families and young professionals.
STATISTICS
INDICATORS
Region
South
Population (2020)
215,043
The chart below displays this city's performance across all indicators vs. averages for the 25 cities
% Non-White Population
40.1
Median Income (2020)
$56,758
Average Home Value (2022)
$264,009
Average Annual Cost of Living
$24,405
Housing, transportation and energy costs as a percent of median income
Averages
City Data
CHALLENGES
Booming economy: Huntsville is a hub for technology and engineering companies, with major employers including NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal. The city has consistently been ranked as one of the top metro areas for job growth in the country.
Cultural and recreational opportunities: Huntsville has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and art galleries. The city is also home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including the Monte Sano Nature Preserve and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
Strong education system: Huntsville has an excellent public education system, with a number of high-performing schools and a nationally recognized magnet program. The city is also home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University.
Quality of life: Huntsville consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country, with a low cost of living, high quality of life, and a strong sense of community.
Innovation: Huntsville has a long history of innovation, from the development of the first rocket that took humans to the moon to the creation of cutting-edge technology in the city's research and development labs.
BRIGHT SPOTS
Traffic congestion: Huntsville's population has been growing rapidly, which has led to increased traffic congestion and longer commute times.
Affordable housing: As the city's economy has grown, so too has the cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. Many residents are struggling to find affordable housing in Huntsville.
Racial disparities: Despite its many strengths, Huntsville still faces significant racial disparities, with Black residents facing higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and health problems than their white counterparts.
Limited public transportation: Huntsville's public transportation system is limited, which can make it difficult for residents without a car to access employment, education, and other opportunities.
Infrastructure needs: Like many cities in the U.S., Huntsville is facing significant infrastructure needs, including repairing and replacing aging roads, bridges, and water systems.